bizkitp

My husband and I are active seniors planning to drive from Estero, Florida to Key West in November. As this is our first time, we seek advice!

We are planning to stay in Key West at least 2 nights. We like to bar hop and enjoy the party atmosphere as well as sightsee, but we prefer quiet lodgings. We like B and B's a lot, but hotels are fine, too. Any recommendations?

While we are not really fishers, divers or snorklers, we do plan to stop on the way to sightsee and enjoy the scenery. Do you think we should stay over a night on the way down, and if so, where? Looking for good food and pretty scenery and places to walk around. OR..should we drive straight through and stop on the way back, or both? What are your favorite spots?

Just how much time should we allow for the drive if we do not stop for the night going down?

Thanks for the help!

Ackislander

On the way down, I would stop in Islamorada. It ticks your boxes.

On the way back, I would stop in Everglades City or Chokoluskee, next door. Incredible history in its tiny museum. Very funky.

Dukey1

Your drive is close to 300 miles and if so inclined I would definitely stop on the way because parts of "the drive" are not particularly scenic; water views, sure; fast food and other retail elements of "civilization," no. It can be a grind, too, depending on the amount of traffic.

Are you returning to Estero or somewhere else? Are you driving a rental?

bizkitp

Dukey1, we are returning to Estero, and no we are not driving a rental. Thanks for your reply! Ackislander thank you too.

NeoPatrick

I hope you're planning to drive across Tamiami Trail and NOT Aligator Alley! More scenic. Be sure to stop at the Clyde Butcher Gallery, and take a picture at the tiny Ochopee post office. Depending on how much time you want to spend, I've almost always opted for taking a full day for driving each way (from Naples) with a few stops and then relaxing longer in Key West.